FSV Optik Rathenow 0–3 Ludwigsfelder FC | International Club Friendly | 18 July 2026

Ludwigsfelder FC secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over FSV Optik Rathenow in a pre‑season friendly at the Stadion Vogelgesang. The visitors controlled proceedings from start to finish, using a strong second‑half performance to put the game beyond doubt.

Match Overview

The first half was a scrappy, midfield‑heavy contest with few clear chances. Ludwigsfelder’s superior fitness began to tell after the interval. They broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when a deflected cross fell to striker Lukas Engel, who smashed the ball into the roof of the net from six yards out.

Just seven minutes later, Engel turned provider, releasing winger Niklas Richter with a perfectly weighted through ball. Richter’s low shot beat the advancing goalkeeper and doubled the lead. Rathenow, forced to push forward, left gaps at the back, and Ludwigsfelder capitalised in the 74th minute. Substitute Marcel Bauer drifted onto a loose ball 25 yards from goal and curled a stunning effort into the top corner to complete the scoring.

Tactical Story

Ludwigsfelder set up in a compact 4-1-4-1 and pressed in a mid‑block, forcing Rathenow into long passes that were easily dealt with. The visitors’ width stretched the home defence, and once they found the opening goal, Rathenow had no answer. Rathenow’s 4-3-3 failed to create consistent threats, and their midfield was overrun in the second half.

Standout Players

• Lukas Engel (Ludwigsfelder) – A goal and an assist; his hold‑up play and passing were crucial.
• Niklas Richter (Ludwigsfelder) – Scored a fine goal and was a constant outlet on the left wing.
• Marcel Bauer (Ludwigsfelder) – The substitute’s spectacular long‑range strike was the highlight of the match.

Friendly Context

Both sides are preparing for their respective regional campaigns in Germany. For Ludwigsfelder FC, this dominant display builds momentum and suggests their attacking cohesion is already strong. FSV Optik Rathenow will look to regroup, with defensive concentration and set‑piece defending likely areas of focus in upcoming training sessions.